Max Verstappen Wins the Japanese Grand Prix in a Heartfelt Farewell to Honda

Four-time Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen secured a thrilling victory at the Japanese Grand Prix, marking a poignant end to Honda’s engine partnership with Red Bull Racing. The race at Suzuka was Honda’s last in its home country before the partnership concludes at the end of the year.

Verstappen Reflects on a Successful Partnership with Honda

Verstappen, who started from pole position, expressed his gratitude for the partnership that began in 2019. “It means a lot to me,” he commented. “In those last few laps, I was thinking, well, I need to try and stay ahead. It would be a great story, our final kind of farewell race together with Honda here in Japan. I’m incredibly proud of what we have achieved over all those years together.

Red Bull had a challenging start to the season, but after significant adjustments, as team chief Christian Horner put it, Verstappen managed to reach the pinnacle of the podium. “It was tough, you know, just pushing very hard, especially on the last set,” Verstappen said. “The two McLarens were pushing me very hard, and it was a lot of fun out there, not easy, of course, to manage the tyres, but I’m incredibly happy.

The team improved the car throughout the weekend, and Verstappen’s pole position made winning the race possible. “It started off quite tough this weekend,” he admitted, “but we didn’t give up. We kept improving the car, and today, it was in its best form.

Podium Finish at the Japanese Grand Prix

Verstappen was joined on the podium by Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri of McLaren, who finished in second and third places, respectively.

The Japanese Grand Prix marks the beginning of a triple-header for F1 as the season now moves onto Bahrain, followed by Saudi Arabia.